@the_green_bird_brigade: Aurora was surrendered to me in 2023, when she was just over a year old. I fell in love with her immediately and within a few months, she became a member of our permanent flock. In December 2024, she was diagnosed with avian Ganglioneuritis or AG, an avian disease that is caused by avian bornavirus. We believe that Aurora got this virus when she was just a baby, as it typically spreads vertically from parent to chick, either in the egg or during feeding. Unfortunately, there is no 100% accurate testing for Bornavirus and even with a positive test result, not all birds who have the virus will go on to develop AG. In fact, it is estimated that up to 60% of pet parrots have Bornavirus, yet many will never develop symptoms. AG is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the nervous system that controls the digestive tract and other organs. Symptoms of AG are often digestive, neurological, or a combination of both. In Aurora‘s case, she primarily exhibits the digestive symptoms (absorption issues) causing vitamin deficiency’s, weight loss, and undigested food in her droppings. Symptoms typically present in “flares” which can be triggered by stress, including hormone fluctuations. There is no cure for AG, and without treatment, it is usually fatal.

Jen Greenberg

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Region: US

Wednesday 25 March 2026 22:14:21 GMT